There are a variety of engineering and design jobs that use CAD (computer-aided design software).
We often get asked what CAD software companies use. As a busy staffing agency for engineers, and designers we know it depends on the particular industry a company is in.
Different CAD systems are tailored towards certain industries, with crossover and competition between the various CAD software companies. Moreover, CAD support is essential for helping users effectively navigate and utilize these software tools.
Interested in learning about the best CAD software for engineers, designers, and drafters? Keep reading.
We list CAD software packages you should consider learning, some of their features, potential career paths, and the industries that create jobs for them.
Popular types of CAD software companies use include SolidWorks, Inventor, Revit, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, CATIA, Creo, and Siemens NX.
1. SolidWorks
As a popular mechanical design software with a large community of users, employers are frequently seeking job seekers with SolidWorks experience. This 3D modeling CAD software is used heavily in the mechanical engineering and design industries. It is the industry standard for product development.
Some features including:
- Product design simulation
- 3D solid modeling
- Product data management
- Cost estimation, manufacturability checks
- Created with ease of use in mind
- Used by mechanical and electrical engineering departments
Jobs that use SolidWorks CAD software
- Mechanical engineer, designer, and drafter
- Manufacturing engineer
- Industrial engineer
- Electrical engineer, designer, and drafter
- Product development engineer
What Industries use SolidWorks?
- Aerospace & Aviation
- Consumer products
- Manufacturing
- Medical Device
- Industrial products
- Oil & Gas
2. Inventor
A 3D modeling software and the main competitor of SolidWorks, used in mechanical design, engineering, and product development.
Some features including:
- Parametric modeling for 3D objects
- Product data management
- 3D Solid Modeling
- Simulation
- Visualization
Jobs that use Inventor CAD software
- Mechanical engineer, designer, and drafter
- Manufacturing engineer
- Industrial engineer
- Product development engineer
What industries use Inventor?
- Aerospace & Aviation
- Consumer products
- Manufacturing
- Medical Device
- Industrial products
- Oil & Gas equipment
3. Revit
Software for BIM (building information modeling) used in construction projects with a suite of tools to create 3D models of buildings. This software supports all disciplines of building construction projects including, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical aspects. If you’re asking what cad software should I learn for building design or construction this is it. The demand for employees with Revit skills grows continually year after year.
Some features including:
- 3D modeling and 3D visualization
- MEP modeling and detailing
- Structural steel modeling
- Construction documentation of the project
- Models components for building and fabrication
Jobs that use Revit CAD software
- Mechanical engineer, designer, and drafter
- Electrical engineer, designer, and drafter
- Structural engineer, designer, and drafter
- Architects, architectural designers, and drafters
- Interior Architect, Interior designer
- Plumbing designer, HVAC designer, MEP designer
- BIM Coordinator
What industries use Revit?
- Architectural
- Construction
- Engineering
4. AutoCAD
One of the oldest and most used CAD software for 2D / 3D drafting & design. It has the ability to create blueprints, equipment layouts, section planes, model documentation, and more. Learning AutoCAD and additional 3D CAD software is a recipe for success.
Some features including:
- 2D drawing, drafting, and annotation
- Extended workflows
- Xrefs and block palettes
- Dynamic blocks
- 3D Mesh, solid and surface modeling
Jobs that use AutoCAD CAD software
- Architects, Architectural designer, and drafter
- Electrical engineer, design and drafter
- Electronics engineer, design and drafter
- Plumbing designer, HVAC designer, MEP designer
- Interior designer
- Industrial engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Mechanical engineer, design and drafter
- Structural engineer, designer, and drafter
What industries use AutoCAD?
- Aerospace & Aviation
- Consumer products
- Manufacturing
- Medical Device
- Industrial products
- Oil & Gas
- Civil, Structural, MEP
5. Civil 3D
An Autodesk product originally created as an add-on for AutoCAD, Civil 3D is a standalone software used by civil engineers and other professionals to plan, design, and manage civil engineering projects including transportation, land development, and wastewater. Job seekers with Civil 3D design experience are one of the most sought after skills for employers in the civil engineering field.
Some features including:
- Corridor modeling
- Plan production tools ( plan, profiles & sections)
- Terrain Grading
- Support for BIM (Building Information Modeling)
- Surface creation tools
Jobs that use Civil 3D CAD software
- Civil engineer, designer, and drafter
- GIS technicians
- Survey technicians
What Industries use Civil 3D?
- Civil & Transportation engineering
- Utilities
- Oil & Gas